WHAT: Will dedicate 72 acres of pristine Santa Monica Mountains habitat above Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, donated by Pepperdine University to the people of the state of California as wilderness area, to be managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, protected by a conservation easement from the California Department of Fish and Game

Attendees will meet at the north end of Topanga State Beach and take shuttles up to the site. Tuna Canyon Road, normally one-way southbound, will be closed from 10-11:30 in order to allow limited individual VIP reverse-flow traffic driving up to the site for the dedication. The media may meet in the parking lot and be directed up by a ranger, or drive up Tuna Canyon Road to Las Flores Heights Rd and turn left. Rangers will assist with parking.

WHEN: Friday, May 1, 2009

11:00 a.m.

# # #

EDITORS BACKGROUND:

Donated by Pepperdine as part of its long-range development plan, the ecologically rich Little Las Flores Canyon site adjoins the MRCA’s 1,255-acre Tuna Canyon Park. The new parkland is part of 18,000 acres of contiguous protected open space from Topanga State Park west to Las Flores Canyon. It features a deep canyon system formed by Little Las Flores Creek, massive sandstone outcrops with numerous ledges and pinnacles for roosting and nesting of owls, hawks, eagles, and ravens, and various reptiles. The terrain also includes coastal Southern California plant communities including sycamore riparian woodland, coastal sage scrub and native grasslands.

This prop would extend $10 billion in "temporary" sales, income and vehicle taxes imposed as part of the 2009-2010 budget agreement for one or two years, resulting in a further tax increase of some $16 billion. The objective is to get money into a "rainy day" fund and institute budget caps and restrictions to help reduce Sacramento's cycle of booms and deficits. It's supported by the Governor. Opponents include taxpayer advocacy groups, some unions and the California Republican Party, which say it's a ruse for more spending. What's the proposition entail exactly? Representatives from the two sides chime in.

Guests:

Jim Earp [Arp], Executive Director of the CaliforniaAlliance for Jobs [Yes on 1A]

Call him @

Marty Hittelman, President of the California Federation of Teachers[No on 1A]

Call him @

[NPR NEWS]

2:00 – 2:30

Swine Flu and DREAD

Public perceptions of epidemics are often shaped more by political or moral agendas than "objective" medical information, making them a good indicator of a group's anxieties. Philip Alcabes joins us with his look at epidemics throughout history—from the Black Death, to AIDS, and avian flu—as the intersection of science and sociology. And Patt asks the question on everyone's mind: what does this say about Swine Flu?

Guests:

Philip Alcabes, author of Dread: How Fear and Fantasy Have Fueled Epidemics from t he Black Death to Avian Flu

CALL HIM @

2:30 – 2:40

OPEN

2:40 – 3:00

Watch Your Tongue!

In a 5-to-4 decision this week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Federal Communications Commission's right to sanction broadcast networks when anyone lets fly an F-word, S-word, or any other profanity on a live broadcast. With a stronger FCC looking over his shoulder, how will a producer or performer avoid letting that possibly offensive word slip on TV, while anything goes on cable and the Internet?

Guests:

NOT CONFIRMED

Michael Copps, Acting Chair of the FCC

Call him @

Anthony Vinciquerra (vinn-see-KWERA), President and CEO of Fox Networks Group

CALL HIM @

NOT CONFIRMED:

Aisha Tyler, actress and comedian, contributor to Jane and Glamour, former host of E! Network show Talk Soup

Lancaster, CA—The Department of Animal Care and Control’s (DACC) volunteers from the Lancaster and Agoura Hills animal shelters will come together on what is known as “Big Sunday,” the largest community service event in the country. On Sunday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. volunteers will team up to give the Lancaster shelter a make-over.

Over 100 volunteers have signed up to be a part of the community project. Lancaster and Agoura volunteers have also taken the initiative to raise money by organizing fundraising events (such as garage sales) to help contribute towards some of the needed items.

Some of the planned projects include:

·Revamping the spay and neuter clinic from top to bottom

·Painting an art mural

·Landscaping projects

·Repairing the roof

·Putting up wind screens

·Renovating current dog run

·Adding mister systems in the kennels for the hot weather

·Repairing and expanding the play yard

These projects are also intended to directly benefit the animals of the Lancaster shelter by providing a more comfortable, temporary home, making their stay as enjoyable as possible.

Be Kind to Animals Week® is May 3rd through 9th this year. The American Humane Association created Be Kind to Animals Week® in 1915 to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals. Be Kind to Animals Week® promotes kindness to all animals and encourages adults and children to honor the companionship, friendship, and love animals bring into our lives.

“It is a week to honor our furry, feathered, finned, and scaly friends” stated County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) Deputy Director, Michelle Roache’. Individuals can show their kindness in many ways: provide a home for a homeless pet, volunteer or donate to your local animal shelter, encourage someone to spay or neuter their pet, help reunite a lost pet with its owner, thank an animal shelter employee for saving animals’ lives, or report an act of animal cruelty or neglect to your local animal shelter.

DACC is celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week® by encouraging individuals to raise their awareness of animal cruelty and neglect issues in their community. “The Department’s Major Case Unit (MCU) is a group of specialized Animal Control Officers who serve to protect the victims of animal cruelty and have the expertise necessary to convict offenders within the County of Los Angeles. If you suspect animal cruelty in your neighborhood, please report it to your local animal shelter for immediate referral to the Major Case Unit,” Roache’ said.

To help promote Be Kind to Animals Week® (as well encourage life-long kindness to animals), DACC is providing numerous low-cost vaccination and free microchip clinics for dogs (locations throughout Los Angeles County) beginning May 2nd and continuing into the summer months. Rabies vaccinations are $6, DHLPP vaccines are $14, Bordetella vaccines are $11, and microchips are free. Opportunities to purchase (or renew) dog licenses will also be available. Please visit our website at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov to view the 2009 clinic schedule and find a clinic near you.

Be Kind to Animals Week is a great time to support our nation’s animal welfare organizations and to encourage everyone to get involved to make a difference for animals. The County of Los Angeles urges you to contact your local animal shelter to find out about volunteer opportunities and other ways to show compassion and kindness to the County’s homeless animals. Celebrate the wonderful work being done by the Nation's humane societies, animal rescue organizations, and animal shelter employees and volunteers.

The Board of Supervisors has cancelled its regular meeting on May 5 and will meet instead in Washington, D.C. on May 6-7. The meetings will be held as part of the Board’s annual trip to discuss legislative and regulatory issues with elected and appointed officials.

WHAT: SHERIFF BACA WILL HOST THIS YEAR’S "DRIVE TO REMEMBER" VEHICLE SIGNING. A HUMMER H3 WILL BE DRIVEN FROM CANADA TO WASHINGTON, D.C., IN HONOR OF THE OFFICERS WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY LAST YEAR NATIONWIDE. THIS VEHICLE WILL BE SIGNED BY THE WIDOW OF DEPUTY JUAN ESCALANTE, WHO WAS KILLED ON AUGUST 2, 2008, AND RELATIVES OF DEPUTY RANDY HAMSON, WHO DIED ON OCTOBER 24, 2008. SPONSORED BY THE TASER FOUNDATION, THE TWO-WEEK MEMORIAL DRIVE WILL STOP IN 32 MAJOR CITIES BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON D.C.

WHEN: FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2009, AT 9:30 A.M.

WHERE: SHERMAN BLOCK SHERIFF’S HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

4700 RAMONA BOULEVARD

MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA 91754

(THOMAS GUIDE PAGE 635, F-2)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT DEPUTY JOHNIE JONES AT (323) 810-2418.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

In their new book, American Idol after Iraq, nationally syndicated columnist Nathan Gardels and veteran Hollywood executive Mike Medavoy, explore the role of US media in foreign policy. It argues that cultural institutions and businesses have a part in exercising “soft power” – the ability to obtain desired outcomes without coercion. And that Hollywood should be included as “a key player in the ‘deep coalition’ required to support a ‘smart power’ foreign policy.” But can the power of movies, television shows and video games really be harnessed to achieve specific outcomes?

Guests:

Mike Medavoy, co-author of American Idol After Iraq: Competing for Hearts and Minds in the Global Media Age, chairman and co-founder of Phoenix Pictures.

IN STUDIO

[NPR NEWS]

2:00 – 2:40

OPEN

2:40 – 3:00

Washington, CBS, and the Glory Days of Television News

In 1964, CBS congressional correspondent Roger Mudd was covering the Senate's historic Civil Rights Act debate on the steps of Congress—it was the beginning of his 20-year career at the CBS News Washington bureau. He joins us today to look back at that unique bureau—"the place to be"—unmatched at the time in its caliber, dedication, and professionalism, even with all its rivalries and egos. Mudd points to the glory days of television news to remind us what quality journalism should look like.

SAN DIMAS – The County’s 19h Annual Family Music Festival on Sunday, June 28 at Bonelli Park will feature Country-rock legend Charlie Daniels along with music greats, the Marshall Tucker Band and Gary U.S. Bonds.

Sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Family Music Festival features top musical acts as well as family activities, food booths, vendors, craft, a classic car exhibit, carnival rides and a children’s play area.

WHAT: Family Music Festival

WHEN: June 28 at 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park,

120 Via Verde Road, San Dimas, CA (next to Raging Waters off the Santa Ana (57) Freeway between the San Bernardino (10) Freeway and the Foothill (210) Freeway.

·General admission tickets are $18.00 in advance -- and $25.00 at the gate.

·Military and Senior tickets are available at a discount price of $15.00.

·Children under the age of 12 are free with a paid adult ticket (general admission only).

For ticket reservations and more information, call (909) 599-8411 or visit our website at: www.bonellipark.org. All proceeds will support the County’s Junior Lifeguard Program, which teaches young people the basic skills to prepare them to become entry level lifeguards.

With hits like “Uneasy Rider” and “The Devil Went to Georgia,” the Charlie Daniels Band has been a Grammy and Academy of Country Music Award winning icon on the country rock scene for nearly sixty years. He has co-written songs for legendary artists including; Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley and continues to entertain his audiences nationwide.

The Marshall Tucker Band had their first gold record in 1972 —their first of seven consecutive gold and platinum albums with songs including, “Heard It in a Love Song” and “Can’t You See.” Their cool country rock sound is played regularly on country, rock and alternative radio stations.

Honored by the Country Music Association for songwriting, Gary U.S. Bonds has been an popular rhythm, blues and rock and roll singer since 1960 when he recorded his first big hit, “New Orleans”, followed by “Quarter To Three” and “This Little Girl" in 1981. He has worked with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Johnny Paycheck and many others.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY– In light of the current fiscal crisis, the Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich directing the Chief Executive Officer and the Department of Health Services to reevaluate the current scope of health care services being provided to all patients and report back to the Board in 30 days where cuts in non-emergency services and non-chronic disease care could result in cost-savings to County taxpayers.

“With Health Department deficits growing, a number of California counties have eliminated non-emergency services in order to cut costs,” said Antonovich. “Taxpayers are currently responsible for funding health care services that exceed the County’s mandate. Given the department’s bleak financial outlook, all cost-saving options should be reviewed and examined.”

Antonovich’s motion directs the CEO to report back to the Board in 30 days on the results of this investigation. Infectious diseases and those that impact public health will not be affected.

At 10 a.m., a briefing will be held on the swine flu situation in Los Angeles County. Giving the briefing will be Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county's Director of Public Health, Supervisor Gloria Molina and Dr. Silvia Prieto, a Department of Public Health area health officer. Front stairs, Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple St. Contact: Sarah Kissell, Department of Public Health PIO, (213) 240-8144.

Two Probable, Two Possible Cases of Swine Flu in LA County
Cases have NOT been laboratory confirmed; results expected within four
days

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Health Officer, Dr. Jonathan E.
Fielding, has announced that there are two probable cases and two
possible cases of swine influenza in Los Angeles County. All of the
cases have recently traveled to Mexico. The two probable cases include
an 11-year-old and a 52-year-old who have tested positive for influenza
type-A, but have not yet been confirmed to have swine flu. The possible
cases include a 69-year-old and a 60-year-old who have exhibited
flu-like symptoms, but have not yet had testing. Results are expected
within four days.

"These cases do not yet indicate that we have laboratory confirmed
swine influenza in Los Angeles County, but it is likely," said
Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health
Officer. "Although we have not yet confirmed a case in LA County, we
have increased our surveillance activities in the past week, and we
believe that we will find swine influenza here in the county. Possible
swine flu cases take several days to be confirmed through lab
testing."

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is also
investigating three possible flu clusters in three schools located in
the Santa Clarita Valley and San Pedro. Laboratory results on these
clusters are expected by the end of the week.

"It is important for the public to keep in mind that the best
approach to prevent getting seasonal or swine influenza is good hygiene,
such as frequent hand washing, covering their mouth when they cough or
sneeze, and staying home if they are sick, in order to prevent the
spread of any kind influenza,"

For more information on swine influenza and for frequent updates as to
the status of swine influenza in Los Angeles County, please check the
Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and
improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles
County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and
services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control,
and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000
employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more
about Public Health and the work we do, please visit
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

***Media Inquiries: understandably, we're a little overloaded right now
at the media office. If you would like an interview on this specific
press release, please e-mail me with the same subject line (re:) or call
the media line at (213) 240-8144 and specify you'd like information on
the bat. Thank you, Sarah Kissell.***

LOS ANGELES - County health officials are seeking help from the
community in locating an adult man that handled a rabid bat in Santa
Clarita. The man may need to receive urgent rabies preventive treatment
if he handled the bat with his bare hands. He reportedly found the bat
in the parking lot of the Bristol Farms store in Santa Clarita on April
21, 2009, before bringing it to a local veterinary clinic. The man's
name and contact information were not recorded before he left the
clinic.

The man is described as white, in his 40s, between 5'8"and 6'
tall, with a mustache or goatee, driving a late 1990s model dark blue
Chevy Silverado pickup truck. The man stated that he had scooped up the
bat into the box, but it is unclear if he used his bare hands or not.
The man in question should immediately contact the Public Health Acute
Communicable Disease Control unit at (213) 240-7941.

"People think of rabies as a disease from the past, but cases still
occur and rabies can be fatal if it is not treated before symptoms
start. Therefore, it is vital that this citizen contact the Public
Health Department so we can determine if he needs to be treated," said
Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health
Officer. "Residents should not touch or handle bats, and seek medical
attention immediately if bitten or scratched. Pets should also be
vaccinated against rabies."

Two rabid bats have been detected in Los Angeles County so far this
year. On average about eight-to-twelve rabid bats are detected each
year. Direct exposure to a rabid animal, such as a bat, can lead to
transmission of rabies to humans. Rabies is most commonly spread through
the bite from an infected animal. The disease affects the central
nervous system and, if preventive treatment is not immediately given
after transmission from a rabid animal, is usually fatal.

Dead or trapped bats can be tested for rabies by contacting Veterinary
Public Health at 562-401-7088.

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and
improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles
County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and
services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control,
and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000
employees and an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more
about Public Health and the work we do, please visit
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

***Media: We are unable to accommodate one-on-one interviewsprior to the press briefing. If you have questions or need informationafterwards, call our media office at (213) 240-8144. As you are aware,there is a very high amount of press interest and our office isinundated with media requests. We will do our best to accommodate yourneeds; please bear with us. Thank you.***

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2009

Media AdvisoryJoint Press Briefing on Swine Influenza

WHAT: A joint press briefing will be held with the Los Angeles CountyDepartment of Public Health and Supervisor Gloria Molina from the FirstDistrict. Comments and updates will be delivered in Spanish from both theSupervisor and Public Health.